UltraGroup Healthcare News
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News & Inspiration | May 2026
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Promoting Mental Health Awareness
Throughout Mental Health Awareness Month, the Senior Care Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at Appalachian Regional Healthcare took the opportunity to highlight the importance of mental health while showcasing the services available to older adults in our community. They hosted a special awareness event within the hospital to educate staff, patients, and visitors about the program and the importance of mental health care. The event provided information about the services offered through Senior Care, common mental health challenges faced by older adults, and the resources available locally for individuals and families seeking support.
The awareness event also allowed the team to engage with hospital employees and community members, answer questions, and help reduce the stigma often associated with mental health treatment. Many older adults delay seeking help because they are unsure where to turn or believe emotional struggles are simply a normal part of aging. The Senior Care team strives to change those perceptions by increasing education and encouraging open conversations about mental health.
Beyond providing treatment, the Senior Care staff remains actively involved in community outreach, education, and volunteer efforts throughout the year. Their goal is to ensure that individuals and families know that compassionate, professional mental health services are available close to home. The Senior Care Intensive Outpatient Program is proud to support that mission every day by providing care, education, and hope to those who need it most.
Highlighting Mental Wellness
During Mental Health Awareness Month, the New Beginnings, Senior Behavioral Health team helped educate hospital visitors and staff about the importance of mental wellness. The team set up an informational display in the hospital lobby, sharing resources about stress, anxiety, depression, and the connection between chronic health conditions and mental health.
Visitors were encouraged to participate in a positive-thinking activity by selecting a leaf from the team's wellness tree and adding an uplifting thought or message. The interactive display served as a reminder that small acts of positivity can support emotional well-being and help foster meaningful conversations about mental health.
Through outreach efforts like this, the New Beginnings Senior Behavioral Health team continues its commitment to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and connecting individuals with valuable mental health resources in our community.
Director: Mary Hammond, MS, LCPC; Primary Therapist: Molly Schoen, MS, LCPC; Program Nurse: Beth Smith
Supporting Mental Health Awareness
On May 7, the Hamilton Memorial Hospital, Senior Enrichment team proudly participated in the hospital’s “Be Seen in Green” event in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Day. Wearing green to show support and raise awareness, the team joined colleagues across the hospital in promoting the importance of mental health and well-being in the community. The Senior Enrichment team remains committed to supporting the emotional and mental wellness of the individuals and families they serve every day.
Katie Jones, Therapist; LaDonna Lasater, Part-time RN; Cassie Smith, Program RN; and Tiffany Cox, Director/Therapist
The Masks We Wear
Participants from Summers County, Senior Care, Summers County Council on Aging, and Hinton House Apartments took part in a four-week program that met for one hour each week. Over the course of the program, participants created their own expressive masks from start to finish. The process began with designing, sculpting, and casting a mask, followed by shaping paper clay on a plaster mold. In the third week, participants painted their masks, and in the final week, they added embellishments to complete their pieces.
At Summers County Senior Care, the program was intentionally aligned with counseling and therapeutic goals. Each Monday, participants engaged in in-depth group discussions centered on the concept of "the masks people wear." These conversations explored emotional masks, situational masks, and identity masks, as well as the reasons people adopt different masks in their daily lives. Participants reflected on the purpose and function of these masks, identifying circumstances in which masking can be helpful for protection or coping, and situations where it may become harmful or limiting.
Welcome, Billi Wyatt!
Please join us in welcoming Billi Wyatt, the new Unit Clerk for New Beginnings at Livingston Hospital. Billi comes to us from Crittenden County Schools, where she gained valuable experience serving her community. She is excited to begin this new chapter and looks forward to working with and supporting our senior adults. We are thrilled to have Billi as part of the New Beginnings team and look forward to the positive impact she will make.
Congratulations to Felicia Devore, RN, on Her Retirement!
After four years of dedicated service as the Program Nurse for Senior Perspectives at Med Center Scottsville, Felicia Devore, RN, has retired. Throughout her time with Senior Perspectives, Felicia made a meaningful difference in the lives of countless patients and families through her compassion, professionalism, and commitment to quality care. In retirement, she looks forward to spending more time reading, traveling, and making special memories with her grandchildren. We thank Felicia for her years of service and wish her a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement!
Dr. Sudha Patel Speaks at Ladies Auxiliary Breakfast
Dr. Sudha Patel, Medical Director for Renewed Horizons at Perry County Memorial Hospital, recently addressed more than 50 women at the quarterly Ladies Auxiliary breakfast. During her presentation, Dr. Patel shared information about Renewed Horizons and discussed the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health concerns as we age. She emphasized the value of maintaining emotional well-being, seeking support when needed, and reducing the stigma often associated with mental health challenges among older adults. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about available resources and services while gaining a greater understanding of the role mental health plays in overall wellness and quality of life. The event provided an informative and engaging opportunity for community members to learn more about mental health and the support available through Renewed Horizons.
Renewed Horizons Participates in Perry County Council on Aging Tablescape Showcase
Representatives from Renewed Horizons at Perry County Memorial Hospital recently participated in the Perry County Council on Aging Tablescape Showcase. The event provided an excellent opportunity to connect with community members and share information about Renewed Horizons and the services available to support senior adults. Staff members discussed mental health resources, answered questions, and provided educational materials to help older adults and their families learn more about the programs and support available in the community. Renewed Horizons was pleased to take part in this community event and remains committed to promoting mental wellness and connecting senior adults with valuable resources that enhance their quality of life.
Happy Retirement, Kim & Pam!
Today we celebrate two remarkable members of the New Beginnings family as they begin their well-deserved retirements.
Kim Abell, Program Director and Primary Therapist, is saying goodbye to New Beginnings at Massac Memorial Hospital after 16 years of dedicated service. Since the program opened in 2010, Kim has served as its only Program Director and Primary Therapist. Through her leadership, vision, and compassion, she helped establish New Beginnings as a vital resource for the senior population in the community. Her commitment to patient care and program development has left a lasting impact on countless lives.
Pam McCuan, Unit Clerk, has been a valued member of New Beginnings for 11 years. As the first voice many patients heard when calling the program, Pam provided a warm and welcoming presence that helped put people at ease. She was also an integral part of the community education efforts that helped spread awareness of New Beginnings and its services throughout the region.
We are grateful for the dedication, compassion, and countless contributions Kim and Pam have made over the years. Their influence will continue to be felt by patients, families, coworkers, and the community for years to come.
Please join us in wishing Kim and Pam all the best in their retirement. May this new chapter be filled with happiness, good health, relaxation, and many new adventures.
Congratulations and happy retirement, Kim and Pam!
